James Lucius Whitley Jr., a 76-year-old Caucasian male from Enfield, North Carolina, passed away on August 21, 2017. He was a well-respected member of the community, known for his involvement with the Shriners and his ownership of JAVALU FARMS. James was married to Peggy Jo Finch Johnson Whitley, who also passed away on the same day.
The deaths of James and Peggy Jo Whitley were part of a tragic quadruple murder that occurred in their home while they were playing cards with their
friends, James and Janice Harris. The victims were all found deceased at the scene, and the incident was initially investigated as a possible gang-related crime.
James Edward Powell was charged with four counts of first-degree murder in connection with the deaths of the Whitleys and the Harrises. He implicated three other men—Matthew Lewis Simms, Keyon Quarice West, and Dontayvious Devonte "Moochie" Cotton—in the crime. However, charges against Simms, West, and Cotton were later dropped after Powell recanted his accusations. Powell was eventually sentenced to four life terms for the murders.
The case drew significant attention due to the severity of the crime and the subsequent legal proceedings. Despite the arrests and charges, the families of the victims continue to seek justice and closure for the loss of their loved ones.
The tragic events of August 21, 2017, left a lasting impact on the community of Enfield, NC, and the families of those involved.
